The Heart of John Didier

In a recent article, the Rockford Register Star recognized
John Didier, grandfather to a wonderful young man that lived at Walter Lawson Children's Home
20 years ago.Since his grandson's
passing, Mr. Didier, 86, has hand made therapy tables and two tiered cabinets
that rest on the top of the nightstands.He has crafted one cabinet for each child at Walter Lawson, 99
in total.The night stand cabinets provide
space because of the multi-tiered construction.Without these, many of the individual's nightstand space would be taken
up by necessary medical equipment.These
small cabinets provide space for personal items, toys and additional equipment.

Mr. Didier constructed the therapy tables for our school and
recreational areas.Each one has been
constructed with a heart carved in the legs in memory of his grandson.The first therapy table Mr. Didier
constructed saved Walter Lawson's over $800 per table had it been bought
commercially.After the first table, Mr.
Didier decided to make 25 free of charge.In the article from the register Star, Mr.
Didier is quoted to say ,"I realized that this is just something I like to
do...It keeps me busy."

This project, now complete, may have kept Mr. Didier busy
but it was a true act of love for the children and young adults here at Walter
Lawson's.We are thankful for all the
care that was put into each piece and the generosity in donating his time and
materials for such a huge project.Thank
you Mr. Didier for all you do.